He could feel bile rising in his throat as the cup dropped from his hands, instinctively choking as his hands shook. His past had come back to haunt him.
"Sire! Sire! Are you alright?"
Coming out of his trance, "Aye, dont fret about it Dominic." He smiles at him fakely looking out the window. They had arrived. He pulled his coat next to his body as he stepped out into the building that the society called The Web.
He had hoped that this visit would put a smile on his face but no. It only brought back something worse. Quietly, he stepped into the court to observe them as they carried on their training. Quick, agile and careful, they floated in the air as they followed through each move. Truly, these were the subject of any man's eye, sweet on the outside but lethal at heart.
He swept the room keenly and slowly and his heart stopped. There she was, manouvering through each stance with grace and ease. It was truly her.
"At ease! His majesty the King is in our presence!" Yelled a lady dressed in a long dress covered in gold medals as she stepped infront of them.
Promptly, each lady sheathed their sword in the earth and knelt on one knee in greeting, "Sire!"
Still taking in the unbeleivable sight, he shakes his head and answers, "You may rise."
"Thankyou sire!" They reply as they are released to go to the baths.
"Lady Margarette, how long has it been?" Asks the king.
"Well, I cannot recall sire. Ever since your grandfather had us banished, it was hard to gather resource and maintain." She answers.
He simply smiles at the true allegation. In every way, Lady Margarette was a replica of her lineage. All strong and able leaders. She also had the uncanny behavior of keeping secrets even from her bestfriend the king. Shooting her a knowing glance, he asks, "Will you allow me?"
"Nay my lord. I cannot. Besides, it is only a matter of time. Do not haste." She replies. Then suddenly, she curtsies and says, "I am grateful to your highness for re-enacting the society."
"Oh, please rise. It is in my father's best interest that I do this, I promise." He responds, being taken aback by her gesture.
Walking past the grand hall, he sees her; golden locks dancing about her shoulders, rosy cheeks and hazel eyes amid with laughter as she giggled and held a little girl in her hands. And without caution he breathes her name.
As if sensing his eyes on her, she stops her playing, scoops the babe and looks back at him her expression confusing and scurries down the hallway disappearing into the chambers.
He shakes his head still disbelieving what he saw. Not noticing, he clutches his heart and furrows his brows as if in worry.
"She is quite the character." Lady Margarette comments chuckling.
"I beg your pardon?" He says.
"Oh William, both of us know you are a terrible liar. You are quite taken with her but may I warn you of your wife's wrath if she ever thought or heard?" She says giving him a sisterly smile.
"I thankyou my lady and I excuse myself." And with that he leaves the sleepy hallows with a grim expression covering his face with his hands. How would he ever explain this to anyone? He thinks to himself as they ride away back to his home.